From backwater fishing village to British colony to modern metropolis, Singapore's National Museum traces the city-state's history in staggering detail. The National Museum of Singapore is housed in a beautiful 1887-built building (the former Raffles library and museum) and offers an array of ... read more

If you have time for just one museum in Singapore, the Asian Civilisations Museum is it. Singapore is awash in museums, so it can be difficult to determine just which ones are really worth your time if you’re here on a quick trip. Among them all there is one museum a step above the rest: the ... read more

Beginning with its extreme architecture, Singapore's newest museum explores the relationship between the seemingly contrary realms of art and science.
A part of the Marina Bay Sands organisation, the permanent exhibits here are somewhat underwhelming (we thought we missed something), but the ... read more

Set in a beautifully restored shophouse in the heart of Chinatown, this living museum tells the story of Singapore's early Chinese immigrants. The exhibits start with the dangerous journey across the South China Sea then describe life in the then-British colony with furniture, clothing and tools ... read more

The Istana (palace in Malay) is the official residence of Singapore's president, located at the very end of Singapore's bustling Orchard Road behind a large white gate flanked by sentries. The building was completed in 1869 and originally served to house the governors in the British colonial ... read more

Learn more about Singapore's unique Peranakan community — the new culture that was created when early traders from China and India married local Malay women — at this downtown museum.
This museum is far more comprehensive than similar ones in Malaysia and the 10 galleries cover every topic ... read more

When you were a kid, how did you treat your toys? Did you tear into a new toy and play until it broke, or were you the type who kept your favourites in mint condition with the original box? ... read more

The "red dot" is a prestigious design prize and Singapore is the only city outside of Europe with a permanent museum to showcase dot-winning products. Many of the items on display are mundane objects like suitcases and underwear with exceptionally pretty design, but others like shoes that convert ... read more

This place sounds like a yawner judging by the name but it's actually a lot of fun, especially for youngsters.
The gallery is located in the Central Fire Station, which is the oldest in Singapore. The whole first level commemorates the history of firefighting in Singapore, the highlight of ... read more

This two-storey colonial villa was a base of Dr Sun Yat Sen, the revolutionary who helped to overthrow the last imperial dynasty of China. Today it explores his life and the impact of the 1911 revolution on the Singapore Chinese community. Dr Sun Yat Sen, the revolutionary who helped to overthrow ... read more

Temples

This multi-tiered pagoda is on most visitors' Chinatown to-do list, but few venture beyond chanting monks in the ground level prayer rooms — a big mistake. Every level has something worth seeing from the free museum of Southeast Asian Buddhist art on the third storey to the Tibetan prayer wheel ... read more

One of the oldest standing temples in Singapore, Thian Hock Keng is an important Hokkien temple honouring Ma Zu Po, the Chinese goddess of the sea who is believed to protect seafarers and fishermen. Many consider this the oldest Chinese temple in Singapore as a simple temple has stood here since ... read more

Visit this bustling temple to see the role that religion plays in the daily lives of Singapore's Chinese Buddhists. The temple is dedicated to Kwan Im (the Goddess of Mercy) and people pray for good luck. Don't leave without getting your fortune told — shake the canister of divining sticks until ... read more

If this temple reminds you of Bangkok you're not imagining things — it was founded by a Thai monk.
It's also known as the Temple of 1,000 Lights for the countless bulbs that surround its main idol: a 15 metre-tall, 300 ton-heavy, seated Buddha, which dwarfs the inter-faith group of gods around ... read more

Surrounded by skyscrapers, this Taoist temple dating back to 1850 is a perfectly preserved relic in the middle of the central business district.
Meaning "The Temple of the Calm Sea", the temple was founded by Teochew Chinese immigrants, who tended to work as sailors or fishermen, as a place to ... read more

Despite its location in Little India, this is a Chinese Taoist temple and was established in 1913 by a monk who travelled to Singapore with little more than a statue of Kuan Im (the Goddess of Mercy).
The temple was originally dedicated to her, but an altar to Confucius was added during ... read more

This is Singapore's oldest Hindu temple and its roots can be traced back to 1827, but the extraordinary carvings on the roof weren't added until the 1960s. The temple is dedicated to Mariamman, a mother goddess who cures diseases and controls rains, and is the site of a spectacular fire-walking ... read more

Slip off your shoes if you want to enter this testament to Singapore's religious harmony, set near a turn on Waterloo St. Though it's definitely a Hindu temple dedicated to Krishna — an important god identifiable by his blue skin — worshippers from the neighbouring Buddhist temple also stop by ... read more

Also known as the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple, this Hindu temple is of great importance to Singapore's South Indian community. The temple's origins date back to 1859 and it is dedicated to Lord Murugan, the six-faced patron god of India's Tamil Nadu state. Every year around January or February the ... read more

This mouthful of a name translates to "Courageous Mother Kali", an honorific for the temple's fierce female deity. Though she looks peaceful on the entrance sign, some shocking paintings and sculptures throughout the temple show Kali's darker side as she disembowels her victims, wears a crown and ... read more

This Hindu temple in the heart of Little India dates back to 1855 but had a much humbler appearance before the five-tier Gorupam roof was added in the 1960s.
If you look carefully at the carvings you'll see many representations of Vishnu, the preserver of the universe and god the temple is ... read more

Art galleries or venues

Considering that Singapore is not known for its creativity and free-thinking, the avant-garde paintings, photography and sculptures by local artists at the Singapore Art Museum may surprise you.
Set on Bras Basah Road, just a few steps from an entrance for Bras Basah MRT, the building was ... read more

Singapore's National Design Centre (NDC) opened in March 2014. This focal point for all things design in Singapore is a space where designers and businesses exhibit their products, exchange ideas and even work. The NDC is aptly located in the Bugis and Bras Basah area, near heritage landmarks and ... read more

Going strong since 1990, the Substation is Singapore's one and only alternative arts venue.
This is the place to catch local rock bands, quirky plays, independent film festivals and contemporary art exhibits. A full schedule is available online or just drop in to see what's going on — it has a ... read more

In Singapore you can’t help notice the public service ads reminding commuters to let people exit the train before pushing on and to give up their seat to the disabled or elderly. These are part of the Kindness Movement. ... read more

Fitting five million people onto a tiny little island takes a lot of planning, and you can learn all about Singapore's efforts at this government-run gallery. The ground floor exhibits feature flashy video presentations about the city's architectural achievement du jour, but the truly interesting ... read more

Singapore's national library is also its largest: a 16-storey complex with a theatre, restaurant, sky-garden and massive multi-lingual collection of books. You'll need to be a member of the library to be able to sign anything out, but visitors are welcome to explore the building, use the free ... read more

Churches

Even if religious sites are the last thing on your itinerary you'll definitely notice this cathedral beside City Hall MRT, with its steeple so high it contributes to the skyline.
The current cathedral, a grand English gothic-style building, is actually the third to stand in this spot and was ... read more

This small white church was built in 1835, making it not just the oldest church in Singapore but one of the city's oldest buildings.
The church once had the domed roof and bell turret typical of Armenian architecture, but they were removed for structural reasons and now the church looks ... read more

This Catholic Church was built from 1906 to 1912 by architectural firm Swan and MacLaren, whose other projects included the famous Raffles Hotel.
In homage to the church's original Portuguese founders, the church was built in the shape of a Latin cross and has beautiful stained glass windows. ... read more

A Catholic church has occupied this spot since the 1830s, but it wasn't until 1847 that the Spanish, Portuguese and French parishes unified and built the impressive Church of the Good Shepherd.
Its status was elevated to cathedral in 1888 and, save for a period during World War II when it served ... read more

Mosques

The Sultan Mosque is the heart and soul of Kampong Glam, the area of Singapore designated for Muslims when the British took over in the early 1880s. The original mosque was part of the Sultan's palace complex, hence the name, but the current building with its iconic golden dome was built in 1924 by ... read more

This mosque in the heart of Kampong Glam is unique for its architecture, which blends Middle Eastern and European styles. Though it has the typical onion-shaped dome and prayer hall, it also has a very distinctive minaret near the Imam's quarters.
Also notable is that the mosque was named for a ... read more

Viewpoints

The only fauna at this downtown park is the Merlion: a massive statue of Singapore's bizarre lion/fish hybrid mascot that spews water.
There's little to do here other than take cheesy photos and enjoy the views across to Marina Bay Sands.
A cluster of cafes and restaurants are nearby to feed ... read more

When I moved to Singapore in 2007 the Marina Sands Hotel was just a hole in the ground. But, by the miracle that is the speed of construction in Singapore, this 55-storey luxury hotel opened for business in no time.
Its open-air garden stretches across the three towers of the hotel beneath and ... read more

Public parks and zoos

Singapore isn't called “the garden city” for nothing – you’ll find a shady green refuge in nearly every neighborhood. Here’s a rundown of our favorite public parks offering everything from open-air concerts to cycling along the coast. ... read more

These lush, serene gardens boast more than 10,000 tropical species and are a great place to retreat to from the city's bustle. If you're looking for respite from the glitz and rush of Singapore, the Botanic Gardens offer a variety of enticing green gardens and spaces to explore or simply retreat to ... read more

The spectacular Gardens by the Bay boasts intriguing plant sculptures and an array of interesting gardens. The newest addition to Singapore’s urban skyline is the spectacular Gardens by the Bay, perhaps best described as the city state's version of New York's Central Park. Located right in the ... read more

Nearly nine metres below the hills of Fort Canning Park lies the Battle Box — an abandoned bunker used by British officers during World War II. The bunker was rediscovered in the late 1980s and has been converted into a sort of museum with creepy soldier mannequins and an audio guide telling the ... read more

This colossal dam was designed to create a reservoir and control flooding, but has become an attraction in its own right. As they walk around Marina Bay, few people probably realise they're actually walking around the largest fresh water catchment in Singapore. Marina Bay is one of 15 fresh water ... read more

This green space in the middle of Chinatown is best known for its Speakers Corner, the one place in Singapore where free speech is allowed. This works better in theory than in practice and you can read the sign with all the rules for a good laugh.
Requirements include that you must register ... read more

General activities

It’s no secret that Singapore is the most expensive city in Southeast Asia to be a tourist. But even if you’re down to your last Sing-dollar, it’s possible to sight see without spending a cent. ... read more

With its squeaky-clean streets and English-speaking population, Singapore is a hassle-free destination for a family holiday. It’s also home to some world-class attractions that kids will go crazy for. ... read more

At 165 metres high — 30 metres higher than the London Eye — the Singapore Flyer is the world's tallest observation wheel.
One rotation takes about 40 minutes which is plenty of time to soak up the view of downtown Singapore and beyond; on a clear day you can see all the way to Indonesia. ... read more

It’s no secret that Singapore is a haunted city – there’s a month-long festival devoted to feeding hungry ghosts. Of course, it’s not the gleaming shopping malls and skyscrapers that many Singapore residents consider to be haunted, it’s the old and forgot ... read more

After the cleanliness and crazy prices, what friends who've visited me in Singapore commented most about was the heat. Though the temperature is similar to Bangkok or Bali, Singapore feels hotter. ... read more

The Singapore Sports Hub is home to an array of sports venues and offers a sports-themed mall up on the side. After six years of construction and at a cost of S$1.3 billion, the Singapore Sports Hub finally opened its doors in June. The 35-hectare complex is filled with athletic venues, public ... read more

Fish spas — where tiny “doctor fish” eat dead skin from your feet — are among the more bizarre beauty trends sweeping the world. Not only do they leave your feet softer and smoother, but proponents claim it improves blood circulation and relieves stress. ... read more

Theatres

This 380-seat theatre in Robertson Quay is the home of the Singapore Repertory Theatre and their children's branch The Little Company. The SRT is one of Asia's leading English-language theatre companies and their productions are known for attracting celebrity cast members. When not in use by the ... read more

The Esplanade is a home for all artists from the Singapore Symphony Orchestra to the break-dancers who hang out in the basement.
Its state-of-the-art concert hall and theatre attract world-class acts while smaller venues host a steady stream of plays, concerts, dance recitals and art ... read more

Hiking, walking tours and itineraries

While Singapore is easy enough to explore on your own, you can learn a lot more about the city by exploring with a knowledgeable guide. Here’s a rundown of various walking tours of Singapore covering everything from historical sites to nature reserves to ... read more

Singapore may be a long way from Europe, but this little island played a pivotal role in World War II. Whether you’re a war buff or just want to learn more about this chapter of history, here’s an itinerary that will take you to Singapore’s most important ... read more

With its beautiful temples, exotic markets and delicious food, Singapore’s Little India neighborhood is not to be missed. Even if you only have a couple hours to spare you can still see the highlights of this ethnic enclave. ... read more

A historic street in Chinatown named for its Hindu temple? Temple Street is more than just an exemplary example of Singapore’s multiculturalism – it’s the perfect stretch for a quickie walking tour. ... read more

Emerald Hill is one of the most colorful streets in Singapore and makes an easy detour from the shopping belt of Orchard Road. Come for the beautiful Peranakan architecture, a bit of antiquing, or maybe a drink at one of the trendy bars? ... read more

Eurasians are among the ethnic groups in Singapore that make up that cryptic official “others” category of the local population. Travellers typically know little about them, but the Eurasian Association in Singapore, founded in 1919, is the perfect place ... read more

Armenia’s difficult physical conditions saw enterprising merchants move abroad from the 19th century, many landing in Asia, including a few in Singapore. Here are a few of the contributions the Armenian diaspora made. ... read more

Everton Park is a cluster of six old public apartment blocks boasting an array of old-style shops and restaurants with an increasing number of hipster joints opening right along side them. Everton Park is a cluster of six old public apartment blocks in the Outram area opposite The ... read more

Finding a souvenir that sums up the Singapore experience can be a bit of a challenge because there aren’t many locally-made products (other than the hawker food you ate for lunch – burp!). ... read more

Singapore’s an ideal place to stock up on fresh English-language reading material. You will find bookstores in the shopping malls, but true bookworms will want to support these independent bookstores specializing in quirky reads and works by local authors ... read more

One of the rare things that isn't more expensive in Singapore is used books and you won't have to look hard to find them — they're all in the Bras Basah Complex. Of the 20-some bookstores most sell a variety of new and used reading material, and you can pick up a paperback in gently used ... read more

Situated right in the heart of the Orchard Road shopping district, Lucky Plaza is the unofficial hub for the Filipino diaspora in Singapore. From the exterior, Lucky Plaza looks dated, but step inside this mini-Manila and you'll be surprised at some of the treasures you'll find. While it doesn't ... read more

It may be Singapore's largest IT mall, but Sim Lim Square has earned a bad rap for fleecing tourists who assume they're getting a great deal without checking prices. Good deals are possible — especially if you're looking for camera parts or discontinued models — but you may be surprised to ... read more

Whether you’re shopping for a designer watch, durian cookies, football cleats or the latest smartphone you can find it in Singapore – and all under one roof at the 24-hour shopping mecca of Mustafa Centre. ... read more

As the economic hub of Southeast Asia, people from across the region are drawn to Singapore to try to make a buck. These groups add to Singapore’s colorful cultural diversity and, as the communities grow, they establish their own restaurants, temples, and ... read more

Ever wish your flight would be delayed just so you could have more time to take advantage of the shopping at Changi Airport? If you can plan ahead a little, you can avoid that by shopping for duty-free goods anytime you like at DFS Galleria. DFS Galleria rejects that premise while offering a lot ... read more

Singapore's Orchard Road Christmas Light Up is not to be missed if you're in Singapore during the festive period. While there won't be snow glistening or sleigh bells ringing in sunny Singapore during Christmas, on the main shopping street of Orchard Road, retailers do their best to create an ... read more

If you have the patience to wade through the junk there's definitely some gems at this outdoor flea market. You don't need a license to sell and many vendors don't bother with folding tables and dump their wares — dial telephones, used sports equipment, yellowed paperbacks, broken computer ... read more

Follow your nose into this bustling indoor market just off Serangoon Road.
The ground floor is half wet market and half hawker centre, so you can feast on Indian food like rich curries, dosai and briyani rice, or buy the ingredients to make them yourself. The produce from Tekka Centre is known ... read more

Cheongsams, T-shirts, cameras, tea and dubious antiques: the sidestreets of Chinatown overflow with opportunities to spend your Sing-dollars. Many shops sell exactly the same goods and the quality is so-so, but the price is always right. Small souvenirs like magnets are 5 for $5 and you can get a ... read more

If you didn't get your fill of shopping at the Street Market, the commerce continues in the Chinatown Complex. This indoor market is more for locals than tourists and contains a wet market, sundry shops and a hawker centre.
The basement wet market is liveliest in the early morning when shoppers ... read more

Some travellers dismiss Singapore as Asia lite: sanitised, commercialised and dull. Dispel such silly notions with a visit to the wet market at the Chinatown Complex where some of the produce is so fresh it’s still hopping. ... read more

Once a month the Market of Artists and Designers (MAAD) takes over the Red Dot Design Museum and holds a flea market to sell their one-of-a-kind creations. Fold-out tables become displays for handmade jewellery and clothing, eco-friendly greeting cards and local zines. Most of the fashions are for ... read more

Cooking classes

Why just eat chilli crab and chicken rice when you could be learning how to make them? For the souvenir that keeps on giving, enroll in one of these cooking classes to learn the art of making Singapore’s mouth-watering cuisine. ... read more

Yoga

Perhaps due to its overworked population, Singapore is bursting at the seams with yoga studios. Most cater to residents with monthly membership packages, but some offer drop-in rates for travelers and other infrequent yogis. ... read more

Festivals and events

Who says Grand Prix motor racing is only for the rich and famous? Not in Singapore, where you can catch the only F1 night race in the world and first street circuit in the region every September at the Marina Bay circuit. Here’s how to do it on the cheap ... read more

Anyone who says Singapore is boring has obviously never witnessed the gruesome-but-fascinating festival of Thaipusam. This year it happens on January 27. Here’s everything you need to know. ... read more

Just when you thought Little India couldn't get any more colorful or chaotic, the biggest festival on the Hindu calendar pulls into town. This year Deepavali falls on October 26 but, like Christmas, half the fun is the weeks leading up to the big day. ... read more